Friday riot and rasta roko fails to improve power situation in Vasai-Virar

Even after more than 600 residents of Pragati Nagar in Nalasopara staged a rasta roko and pelted stones on policemen over repeated power failures in the area, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) could do precious little as Sunday afternoon saw a series of blackouts.\

On Friday night, over 600 residents came out on the streets to protest frequent power cuts. The protesters soon turned violent and attacked policemen, injuring a constable. The police also fired one round in the air to disperse the mob. 

Residents in parts of Nalasopara East and Virar East had to spend Sunday afternoon sweating as power played hide and seek. However, the residents of Pragati Nagar got a reason to smile with the authorities giving them a big transformer which could manage the load of excess power supply. "Now we are receiving proper power supply properly. Since morning, there has been no power cut. This kind of incidents (violent protests) only can give justice," said Suresh Mehta, a local.

"We have increased patrolling in the region and the Riot Control Police have been stationed there for preventive measures. The 34 rioters were produced in a Vasai court which sent them to magisterial custody. Soon we will arrest the other rioters," said Sanjay Nikam, senior inspector, Nalasopara police station.